By Chimezie Godfrey
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled a national framework aimed at measuring the impact of digital technologies on Nigeria’s economy to strengthen data-driven policymaking and accelerate digital transformation.
The initiative was launched at a stakeholders’ engagement and validation workshop on the Indicators and Measurement Framework for the National Research Study on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Nigeria’s Economy held at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Abuja.
Speaking at the event, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the Director of the Special Duties Unit, Olawumi Oladejo, said Nigeria’s digital economy had recorded remarkable growth, but stressed that the country needed a harmonised framework to accurately measure its impact.
According to him, the study will provide credible data on how digital technologies contribute to economic growth, job creation, innovation, financial inclusion, improved public service delivery and national competitiveness.
”Building a globally competitive digital economy requires more than deploying technology. Reliable evidence, trusted data and strong institutional collaboration are essential for sustainable digital transformation,” Inuwa said.
He noted that although Nigeria had made significant progress in digital payments, broadband expansion, digital public services, innovation ecosystems and digital entrepreneurship, the absence of a unified measurement system had made it difficult to assess the returns on investments and identify areas requiring intervention.
The NITDA boss explained that the initiative aligns with the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), urging stakeholders to contribute their expertise to ensure the framework meets global best practices.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Technical Steering Committee and Director of Research and Development at NITDA, Dr. Saidu Mohammed Kumo, said the framework was developed by researchers from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
He explained that the framework focuses on three major areas—digital infrastructure and access, digital capabilities and skills, and digital adoption and enabling environment—across five sectors: financial services, government services, e-commerce and digital trade, telecommunications, and e-health.
Kumo disclosed that the framework contains 81 core indicators that will be used to assess how digital technologies are transforming businesses and society across Nigeria.
Representatives of the National Bureau of Statistics and the Federal Ministry of Health commended the initiative, describing it as a critical step towards improving evidence-based policymaking and strengthening digital transformation across key sectors.
The workshop ended with stakeholders pledging support for the development of a national digital economy measurement system to improve planning, attract investment and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
NITDA unveils framework to measure digital economy’s impact
